Starmer assumes office as prime minister following historic election win for UK Labour Party
LONDON (AP) — The Labour Party in Britain has emerged victorious after more than ten years in opposition, with a disillusioned electorate granting the party a resounding win. Keir Starmer, the leader of Labour, has now officially taken on the role of prime minister, leading his party back to power in less than five years after facing a devastating defeat almost a century ago. However, Labour is now tasked with revitalizing a stagnant economy and lifting the spirits of a disheartened nation. Conservative leader Rishi Sunak, in a farewell speech, acknowledged the voters’ discontent and took responsibility for the defeat. He subsequently went to Buckingham Palace to offer his resignation to King Charles III.
The Latest | Keir Starmer officially sworn in as the new prime minister of the UK
Keir Starmer, the leader of Labour, has now officially been sworn in as the prime minister of the United Kingdom. Starmer received the approval of King Charles III to form a new government in a ceremony known as the “kissing of hands.” A photograph from the event on Friday served as the official announcement of Starmer’s new title. Earlier on Friday, Rishi Sunak tendered his resignation to the king. The UK electorate cast their votes on Thursday in a national election to select the 650 lawmakers who will serve in Parliament for the next five years. Sunak’s Conservative Party suffered a significant defeat after more than a decade in power under five different prime ministers.
Biden enters a critical period for his challenged presidential campaign
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is entering a crucial phase in his efforts to salvage his struggling reelection campaign. There is a growing sense that Biden has just a few days to demonstrate convincingly that he is fit for office before support from Democrats completely fades following his disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump. Some financial backers are already postponing or canceling upcoming fundraisers. Biden himself admitted to Democratic governors that he needs to prioritize rest and sleep in order to be in good shape for his duties.
FACT FOCUS: Trump’s misleading statements regarding the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump, during his debate with President Joe Biden last week, falsely claimed that the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, involved only a “relatively small” group of people who were “ushered in by the police.” In reality, thousands of Trump supporters were present outside the Capitol that day, and hundreds breached the building, many engaging in violent confrontations with law enforcement officers. Trump, now the presumptive GOP nominee against Biden, continues to mislead the public about the events of that day and has even praised the rioters.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro indicted for alleged money laundering related to undeclared diamonds from Saudi Arabia
SAO PAULO (AP) — Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has been indicted for money laundering and criminal association in connection with unreported diamonds from Saudi Arabia, marking the second formal accusation against the far-right leader with more potential charges looming. Two sources familiar with the case confirmed the indictment by the Federal Police on Thursday, following another accusation in May against Bolsonaro for allegedly forging his COVID-19 vaccination certificate. The Brazil Supreme Court is awaiting the police report on the latest indictment, posing increased legal challenges for the controversial ex-leader.
Iran holds a runoff presidential election between a hard-line former negotiator and a reformist lawmaker
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranians have begun voting in a runoff election to replace the late President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash last month, amid widespread public apathy in the Islamic Republic due to economic struggles, mass protests, and regional tensions. Voters are presented with a choice between the hard-line former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili and Masoud Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and long-standing parliament member allied with moderates and reformists within Iran’s Shiite theocracy. The initial round of voting on June 28 did not result in any candidate securing over 50% of the vote, necessitating the runoff. It also marked the lowest voter turnout in Iranian electoral history, making turnout on Friday a significant concern.
Israel conducts a military operation in the vicinity of the West Bank city of Jenin, resulting in the deaths of five Palestinians
JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military has announced a counterterrorism operation, including an airstrike, in the area near the West Bank city of Jenin. Palestinian authorities have reported the deaths of five individuals. The military stated on Friday that Israeli soldiers had surrounded a building where terrorists had barricaded themselves, leading to a firefight, while an airstrike had targeted several armed individuals in the vicinity. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed five fatalities but did not provide further details on the identities of the deceased. Additional information from both sides is currently unavailable.
Fireworks brighten the skies across the US as Americans endure sweltering heat to celebrate the Fourth of July
Millions of Americans are commemorating the Fourth of July despite heat advisories, a predicted record number of travelers, and crowded beaches prompting some parks to close to new visitors. Neon fireworks illuminated the night sky above the Washington Monument in the nation’s capital. The Boston Pops staged a musical fireworks show at the Hatch Memorial Shell in the city of Boston. Across the country, parade attendees dressed in patriotic colors of red, white, and blue waved the Stars and Stripes to mark Independence Day. The July Fourth holiday typically unites Americans in their shared love for the country, but the 2024 celebration occurs against a backdrop of deep political divisions and a contentious presidential race.
Hurricane Beryl heads towards the Mexican resort of Tulum as a Category 2 storm
TULUM, Mexico (AP) — Hurricane Beryl has weakened to a Category 2 storm and is on a path for a potential direct impact on the Caribbean coast resort of Tulum in Mexico, prompting authorities to urge tourists to evacuate the white sand beaches. Beryl was previously the earliest Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic before losing strength to become a Category 2 storm with winds reaching 110 mph (175 kph) as it approaches Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador issued a statement, warning that Tulum may face a direct hit from Beryl, which, despite being smaller than Cancun, attracts thousands of tourists and residents.
A bench and a grandmother’s ear: Zimbabwe’s innovative mental health therapy gains international attention
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — In Zimbabwe, a form of talk therapy involving park benches and a network of grandmothers has become a lifeline for individuals struggling with mental health issues. This concept has now been adopted in some parts of the United States and other countries. Zimbabwe faces a shortage of clinical mental health resources, prompting the development of the Friendship Bench initiative by a local psychiatrist. Community grandmothers receive basic training in problem-solving therapy and serve as trusted listeners. This approach draws inspiration from traditional practices where grandmothers offered wisdom during challenging times.
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